POLYARTERITIS NODOSA

Also referred to as polyarteritis nodosa, periarteritis nodosa, Kussmaul disease, Kussmaul-Maier disease, Polyarteritis nodosa or PAN is the systemic vasculitis of arteries. It affects your kidneys, heart and even lungs along with nervous system. Muscle and joint pain, high fever, ulcers in the mouth, swelling and formation of lumps and other similar symptoms occur.

HOW IS POLYARTERITIS NODOSA DIAGNOSED?

PAN is a complicated disease that requires multiple tests before your doctor can make a proper diagnosis. A cardiologist will likely order a complete blood count to measure the number of red and white blood cells you have. You may also undergo:
• a tissue biopsy, which involve taking a small sample of an affected artery for laboratory examination
• an arteriogram, which is an X-ray of the arteries
• an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test to measure inflammation

HOW IS POLYARTERITIS NODOSA TREATED?

Treatment for PAN includes using medications that help in suppressing the immune system, which includes prednisone and cyclophosphamide. It also includes treatment of other symptoms as they occur, especially four-dose infusion of rituximab.

DID YOU KNOW?

Polyarteritis Nodosa occurs mostly in men between the ages of 30 and 49. It also occurs in people with chronic hepatitis B.